Pamela Nelson is a Dallas-based artist who uses pattern, rhythm and repetition to make brightly colored pieces that draw inspiration from textiles from around the world. A native Texan, Pamela completed her BFA at Southern Methodist University. In addition to exhibitions in more than 100 venues, her commissions can be seen at some of Dallas’ highest trafficked destinations, including DFW International Airport, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and NorthPark Center. Pamela has a long history of service to the arts, including co-founding the Stewpot Open Art Program for the homeless in Dallas and ten years of service as Vice-Chair of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the agency that reviews proposed designs for memorials in our nation’s capitol. Among her many recognitions, Pamela received the Legends Award from the Dallas Contemporary in 2000. She is currently represented by Craighead Green Gallery in Dallas.

I recently sat down with Pamela at her studio in a converted apartment off of Turtle Creek where we discussed her childhood in Dallas, her grandmother’s influence, the challenges of commissions, the universal language of art, the importance of family and the menagerie of places where she has tried to set up a studio.